Kovalev planning title defence

The Russian is unbeaten after 28 fights, with 24 of his wins coming via knockout. Kovalev was speaking at a press conference ahead of the bout, which will take place at Mandalay Bay Casino in Las Vegas.

"I want to show this Saturday who I am," said the 32-year-old, who holds the WBA, IBF and WBO light heavyweight titles.

"I would like to still be champion as long time as possible. I did not get all my goals in my career yet. My amateur career I didn’t give me a lot of opportunities. I was hurt in amateur career and I had to try not to closed doors. Some of my dreams in the boxing and my goals not finished. For my dreams, my goals this Saturday is the next step in my career.

"Welcome to Mandalay Bay and thanks HBO. I want to give you good show. We will know who is the best. Thank you HBO who built my career. I love boxing and boxing in America and HBO is the best.

"I cannot say who is the best. I try to be better with every day, fight and build my career as I would like."

Kovalev is coming off an eighth round technical knockout win against Jean Pascal in March in Canada.